Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified (GM) source.
FSANZ CEO Mark Booth said the enzyme maltogenic alpha-amylase has a long history of safe use and is already approved to be sourced from another microorganism.
'The applicant is seeking approval to produce the enzyme from a GM strain of bacterium known as Bacillus licheniformis.'
'FSANZ's safety assessment found no health and safety concerns for Australian and New Zealand consumers,' Mr Booth said.
'If approved, the enzyme would be used as a processing aid in brewing, manufacture of bakery products, the production of potable alcohol and starch processing.
To have your say, see our call for comment page. Submissions close 6pm (Canberra time) 8 September 2021.
What happens with my feedback?
Submissions will be published to our website as soon as possible after the end of the public comment period.
FSANZ will consider all feedback received through this submission process before making a decision on whether to approve the application.
FSANZ's decision will be notified to ministers responsible for food regulation who can ask for a review or agree that the standard should become law.
More information
- How to make a submission
- Read the assessment documents: A1211 Maltogenic alpha-amylase enzyme from GM Bacillus licheniformis
- Additives and processing aids
Media contact: 0401 714 265 (Australia) or +61 401 714 265 (from New Zealand) or media@foodstandards.gov.au